ABU DHABI

Guide Book

4/6/2014
ima ZDEMR



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INDEX
History5
First Oil Discoveries.7
Culture&Heritage.9
Heritage Heartland10
Ai Ain Palace Museum19
Al Jahili Fort22
Manarat al Saadiyat&UAE Pavilion26
Qasr al Hosn Exhibition..31
Heritage Village36
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library41
Zayed Centre.44
Al Maqtaa Fort46
Saluki Centre48
Al Qattara Arts Centre..51
Hili Archaelogical Garden53
Heritage Theme Park.54
Archaelogical Site on Sir Bani Yas Island..55
Muraijib Fort56
Miraj Islamic Centre57
Womans Handicrafts Centre..61
Al Reef Handicrafts Training Centre.64
References..67





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Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second most populous city in
the United Arab Emirates and also capital of the largest of the
UAE's seven member emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped
island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast.
The city proper had a population of 921,000 in 2013.
Abu Dhabi houses federal government offices, is the seat of
the United Arab Emirates Government, home to the Abu Dhabi
Emiri Family and the President of the UAE, who is from this family.
Abu Dhabi has grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. Its rapid
development and urbanisation, coupled with the relatively high
average income of its population, has transformed Abu Dhabi to a
larger and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's
center of political and industrial activities, and a
major cultural and commercial centre, due to its position as the
capital. Abu Dhabi alone generated 56.7% of the GDP of the United
Arab Emirates in 2008.
Abu Dhabi is home to important financial institutions such as
the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the Central Bank of the United
Arab Emirates and the corporate headquarters of many companies
and numerous multinational corporations. One of the world's largest
producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its
economy in recent years through investments in financial
services and tourism.
Abu Dhabi is the second most expensive city for expatriate
employees in the region, and 67th most expensive city in the world.

Fortune magazine and CNN stated in 2007 that Abu Dhabi is the
richest city in the world.
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HISTORY
Early Civilizations
Abu Dhabi is full of archeological evidence that points to
civilizations, such as the Umm an-Nar Culture, having been
located there from the third millennium BC. Settlements
were also found further outside the modern city of Abu
Dhabi but closer to the modern city of Al Ain. There is
evidence of civilizations around the mountain of Hafeet
(Jebel Hafeet). This location is very strategic because it is
the UAEs second tallest mountain, so it would have great
visibility. It also contains a lot of moisture in its springs and
lakes, which means that there would have been more
moisture thousands of years ago.

Trucial Coast
In the 19th century, as a result of treaties (known as
"truces" which gave the coast its name) entered into
between Great Britain and the sheikhs of the Arab States of
the Persian Gulf, Britain became the predominant influence
in the area. The main purpose of British interest was to
protect the trade route to India from pirates, hence the
earlier name for the area, the "Pirate Coast". After piracy
was suppressed other considerations came into play, such
as a strategic need of the British to exclude other powers
from the region. Following their withdrawal from India in
1947, the British maintained their influence in Abu Dhabi as
interest in the oil potential of the Persian Gulf grew.
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First oil discoveries
In the 1930s, as the pearl trade declined, interest grew in
the oil possibilities of the region. On 5 January 1936,
Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd (PDTC), an
associate company of the Iraq Petroleum Company, entered
into a concession agreement with the ruler, Sheikh
Shakhbut bin Sultan al Nahyan, to explore for oil. This was
followed by a seventy-five-year concession signed in
January 1939. However, owing to the desert terrain, inland
exploration was fraught with difficulties. In 1953, D'Arcy
Exploration Company, the exploration arm of BP, obtained
an offshore concession which was then transferred to a
company created to operate the concession: Abu Dhabi
Marine Areas (ADMA) was a joint venture between BP and
Compagnie Franaise des Ptroles (later Total). In 1958,
using a marine drilling platform, the ADMA Enterprise, oil
was struck in the Umm Shaif field at a depth of about 8,755
feet (2,669 m). This was followed in 1959 by PDTCs
onshore discovery well at Murban No.3.






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In 1962, the company discovered the Bu Hasa field and
ADMA followed in 1965 with the discovery of the Zakum
offshore field. Today, in addition to the oil fields mentioned,
the main producing fields onshore are Asab, Sahil and
Shah, and offshore are al-Bunduq, and Abu al-Bukhoosh.



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CULTURE & HERITAGE
Abu Dhabi's culture is firmly rooted in Arabia's Islamic
traditions, creating a shining example of Islam's true
commitment to tolerance and hospitality. The combination of
international influences and a strong commitment to local
heritage has created an intriguing mix of new and old.












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Heritage Heartland
Once a vital green oasis on the caravan route from UAE to
Oman, Al Ain (meaning The Spring in Arabic) is the
emirates heritage heartland, one of the worlds oldest
continually inhabited settlements, and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.






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Classified by UNESCO as a cultural sites, Al Ain world
heritage locations include its six oases and the
archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Hafeet and Hili, all
testimonies of sedentary human occupation of a desert
region since the Neolithic period, with vestiges of many
prehistoric cultures.







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The remarkable vestiges cited by UNESCO include
circular stone tombs (dating circa 2500 B.C.), wells and a
wide range of adobe constructions: residential buildings,
towers, palaces and administrative buildings. Hili moreover
features one of the oldest examples of the
sophisticated falaj irrigation system which dates back to the
Iron Age. Al Ain vestiges provide important testimony to the
transition of cultures in the region from hunting and
gathering to sedentarisation.





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Al Ain National Museum

On the edge of Al Ain Oasis, this museum showcases the
city's unique heritage and history. It is housed in the same
compound as the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (also known as the
Eastern Fort).







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Divided into three main sections - archaeology,
ethnography and gifts - its presentations illustrate various
aspects of UAE life and include an interesting collections of
Bedouin jewellery, musical instruments, weapons, and a
reconstruction of a traditional majlis.






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The archaeology displays are extensive, and include many
artefacts from the nearby Hili Gardens so it is helpful to visit
the museum before the gardens.






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Some of the displays, such as the one from Garn Bint
Saud (12 kilometres north of Hili), date back to the first
millennium BC. The gifts section houses an unusual
collection of gifts that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
received during his lifetime. It includes golden swords, silver
daggers and a golden palm tree. Displays are labelled in
English and Arabic.





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Al Ain Palace Museum

The former home of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed
Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Palace was once a political and
social hub. Built in 1910, the building became a museum in
1998.
Now creatively restored, the museum houses a large
collection of material about the ruling family. Visitors can
tour the private rooms and gardens once occupied by the
Father of the Nation.




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Al Jahili Fort

The picturesque Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAEs most
historic buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city
and protect precious palm groves. The former headquarters
of the Oman Trucial Scouts, the force that protected the
mountain passes and kept inter-tribal peace, it also served
as a residence for the local governor. It is set in beautifully
landscaped gardens, and visitors are encouraged to explore
it.





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An Al Ain landmark, the fort has been carefully restored
and now houses a permanent exhibition of the work of
British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger (whom the locals
affectionately refer to as Mubarak Bin London) and his
1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter)
desert.






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Manarat al Saadiyat & UAE Pavilion

Manarat Al Saadiyat
This purpose built visitor centre - Manarat Al
Saadiyat (which translates from Arabic as 'a place that
provides enlightenment'), brings the Saadiyat vision to life,
offering an interactive narrative on the history and cultural
vision behind the island, as well as a venue for a series of
art exhibitions and educational programmes.





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Visitors will find a rich educational experience for all,
especially for families looking for a fun, weekend activity.
Here they will learn more through virtual books. LCD
screens display the pages of electronic books - using a first-
ever technology in the region, which respond with a gesture
recognition sensor system by simply waving a hand over the
image of the book.







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UAE Pavilion

Moved piece by piece from Shanghai, where it welcomed
almost two million visitors to the UAEs national exhibition
during the World Expo 2010, this striking dune-shaped
structure, designed by Londons acclaimed Foster +
Partners, stands close to Manarat al Saadiyat, adding to the
islands cultural attractions.







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A landmark exhibition and events venue, the pavilion is
hosting some of the countrys most important cultural
functions. A coming together of prominent global collectors,
connoisseurs and artists, the pavilion annually hosts the
Abu Dhabi Art contemporary art fair.







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Qasr al Hosn Exhibition

This permanent exhibition at the Qasr al Hosn Centre tells
the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through the citys
oldest building.







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Fascinating oral testimonies and historic photographs bring
this important monument to life. Contemporary Emirati
voices reflect on Abu Dhabis history and transformation and
Qasr al Hosns key role as a vibrant symbol of Emirati
heritage, culture and tradition.








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The exhibition is free-to-enter and open daily from 9am to
8pm. Theres also a public programme of talks and
workshops.








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Heritage Village

Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a
traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into
the emirates past.








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Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a
campfire with coffee pots, a goats hair tent, and a falaj
irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open
museum.








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There are workshops where craftsmen demonstrate
traditional skills, such as metal work and pottery, while
women sit weaving and spinning. The craftsmen are happy
to share their skills, and may occasionally give you the
chance to try them out.







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The little spice shop is a treat you can get a range of
dried herbs, handmade soap and plenty of chatter.




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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library

A veritable treasure trove for literature-inclined
bookworms, the specialised, state-of-the-art library
at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre promotes
intercultural discourse and interaction by showcasing the
powerful continuity and traditions inherent in books
spanning multiple Arabic and Islamic eras.





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On the third floor of the Northern Minaret of Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque, with unobstructed views in all directions, the
librarys location is unprecedented in the history and design
of world mosques.







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Highlights include rare Arabic calligraphy collections and
copies of the Holy Quran printed in Europe between the
years 1537-1857. There are also more than 50,000 rare
editions of manuscripts and imprints.




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Zayed Centre

For a fascinating sneak peek into the life of the late Sheikh
Zayed, affectionately known as the 'Father of the Nation',
visit the Zayed Centre in Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen district.





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This museum, housed in an Emirati heritage village replete
with camels, is an incredible homage to the man who
shaped the nation. A photo gallery of Sheikh Zayed and
many visiting regional and international royalty and
dignitaries lines the walls of the museum, which is also full
of personal memorabilia such as his favourite hunting rifles.

Taking centre stage are the late President's cherished
vehicles - which he often drove through the city without a
bodyguard - and gifts he received from all over the world
such as stuffed lions and cheetahs.


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Al Maqtaa Fort

Your first glimpse of this 200 year old fort will be as you
approach Al Maqtaa Bridge towards Abu Dhabi Island.
Standing on the edge of the island, the fort was built to fend
off bandits and provides a wonderful contrast to the modern
bridge next to it.

Be careful when taking photographs here, as it is a
sensitive military zone.



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Saluki Centre

This centre honours the desert traditions of hunting,
training and breeding Salukis - a distinctive breed of dog
found in desert regions. The centre invites visitors to learn
more about the unique traits and care of this type of dog.





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Al Qattara Arts Centre

The redeveloped Al Qattara Fort in Al Ain is now home to a
brilliant arts centre and gallery. With aesthetically traditional
exterior facades, the restored Al Qattara Arts Centre
carefully maintains a blend of traditional architecture with
state-of-the-art facilities. It offers hundreds of modern
exhibits within its walls and includes classrooms for tutorial
sessions part of its mandate is to provide a venue where
arts and culture can be studied, practised and developed by
the entire UAE community.



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The Centre has a dry studio for a variety of activities such
as music classes and art crafting, a wet studio for drawing
and painting, a fully-equipped pottery studio, a digital room
suitable for photography and computer classes, a spacious
calligraphy studio as well as an exhibition hall, cafe and
library.





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Hili Archaeological Garden

Combining both a public garden and the archaeological
site, this is a popular place for tourists and residents alike.
The archaeological site has remnants of a Bronze Age
settlement (2,500-2,000 BC), which was excavated and
restored in 1995. It is the source of some of the richest finds
in the area, many of which are believed to be over 4,000
years old.

There are other archaeological structures around the park,
but it is chiefly a garden with plants, fountains, and a small
children's play area. Hili is near Fossil Valley, an area rich in
a variety of fossils dating back many thousands of years to
when it was covered by sea.


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Heritage Theme Park

At the expansive Al Ain Sportplex, the Al Ain Heritage and
Culture Village is a destination in its own right. Bringing the
richness of Emirati culture and diversity together in one
place, the heritage-style theme park invites you to journey
into the past and experience traditional UAE life. The village
includes an old caf, a popular market, and two theatres
where you can enjoy art shows and listen to poetry and
concerts.




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Archaeological Site on Sir Bani Yas
Island

Open to the public, this is the UAE's only discovered
Christian monastery.

Believed to have been built around 600 AD, it was initially
discovered on the island during excavations in 1992. Almost
two decades since its discovery, and more than a thousand
years since it was built, the public can visit the site and
experience another piece of the rich tapestry that makes up
the UAE's fascinating history.


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More culture & heritage
Muraijib Fort

Built in 1816, Muraijib Fort is the oldest in Al Ain.
Comprising three, free-standing buildings, its restored
remains are within beautifully landscaped gardens, which
are reserved for women and children.





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Miraj Islamic Centre

This centre features museum-like displays of unique
Islamic art pieces sourced from around the Muslim world
from places like Egypt, Syria, Iran, India Iraq, Kashmir and
Russia. Displays include meticulously hand woven pictorial
and bejewelled carpets, silk textiles, jewellery, marble
pieces, Arabic calligraphy engraved vases, miniature
paintings and experienced staff are on hand to brief visitors
on the history and origin of the pieces and the techniques
used in making them.



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Miraj offers visitors a complementary pick-up and drop-off
service from their hotels as well as welcome refreshments,
Arabic Qahwah (cardamom coffee) and dates to groups of
over 50 guests. The centre features a rooftop caf with
panoramic views of Emirates Palace and the Arabian Gulf.




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Womens Handicraft Centre

This creative initiative is run by the Abu Dhabi Women's
Association as a showcase for local arts and crafts. The
small museum within is the chance to examine and learn
about local artists' handiwork. There is also a shop on site.







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The round buildings near the museum are workshops
where female artists display distinctive Arabian oils,
handmade souvenirs, incense, local dress, silver thread
work, and weaving. You should remove your shoes before
entering each hut, and ask for photography permission.

You can get a simple henna design painted on your hand,
which will last about two weeks.





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Al Reef Handicrafts Training Centre

This educational centre at Al Ain Sportplex gives you the
chance to learn how to make traditional handicrafts. The
centre encourages residents and tourists to know more
about the UAE heritage during training sessions held by
specialised staff. The sessions are classified according to
age group and gender and kids can attend if they are above
five years old.





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References
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Dhabi
visitabudhabi.ae/
www.abudhabiairport.ae/
tcaabudhabi.ae/